Distance this section: 90km |Distance total: 1,400km
Staying in Hoi An was as different an experience in Vietnam as Cartagena was in Colombia. Huge amounts of tourists fill the streets as they explore the well-preserved old town and the lantern lit river & buildings at night. Truly amazing although with a very touristy feel (many Asian travellers here, feels a lot less Russian/Chinese/backpacker as in the South). Anyway, really good to see how different a Vietnamese city can look like with a bit of smart management.
Laura’s comment: Hoi An was a very different city from the previous ones. Its streets are still preserved and keep much of its great history. Unfortunately there are many tourists, but that was no problem to enjoy in the local bars, with some beers and sometimes happy balloons 🤪😁
Exploring Hoi An
Hoi An’s old town is an exceptionally well-preserved trading port from the 15th century onwards. Many cultures have influenced it over time, most notably Chinese and Japanese. Since 1999 it is listed as Unesco world heritage. To see the old buildings, you must acquire a Hoi An pass for 120,000 Dong (USD5) that gives entrance to 5 of i belive 18 possible buildings. These are mainly chinese made pagoda’s or japanese style houses of business men. Nice to visits while you hang out in streets full of shops like tailors etc.
At night, Hoi An really begins to shine as the lanterns are lit, the night market invites you to snack and a game of Hoi An bi go awaits. Lovely atmosphere – let the pictures talk.
Villages around Hoi An
We visited several villages around town such as Tra Que, Cam Tanh and Cam Kim (where stayed for the last night). All these are usually offered for day trips by bike, but aren’t that spectacular. You get some good views of the rice farmers though, which we liked a lot and insights into other crafts.
My Son hindu temple complex
My Son temples, different to many new Buddhist temples in Vietnam, are centuries old. They were built over time between the 4th and 14th century in fact. Located about 40km outside hoi an, there are plenty of tours or just go by moto. It is worth the visit.
